Removable tine block assembly for a dishwashing appliance

ABSTRACT

A tine block assembly for a dishwashing appliance is provided that can be repositioned within and/or removed from a rack assembly. A user can, for example, reverse the direction of the tine assembly based upon the location of a dishwasher in the kitchen. The tines can be moved relative to the side or wall of the rack assembly to accommodate different article sizes. The tines can also be completely removed from the rack assembly to accommodate a large article. Additionally, a degree of modularity is provided in that the same rack assembly may be provided with different tine assembly configurations so as to e.g., simplify the manufacturing process.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to an assembly for holding articles in a rack assembly of a dishwashing appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern dishwashers typically include a wash chamber where e.g., detergent, water, and heat can be applied to clean food or other materials from dishes and other articles being washed. Often an upper rack assembly is disposed close to the top of the wash chamber and is used to hold glasses, cups, and other small items. Typically, a lower rack assembly is positioned near the bottom of the chamber and a considerable distance below the upper rack. This provides vertical clearance to place dishes and platters on edge (i.e. a vertical orientation) and to place food preparation bowls and pots up-side-down on the lower rack for washing.

Each rack normally is supplied with an array of spaced apart, generally vertical tines or members, which support and separate the individual items. These vertical members support and fix the position of various articles during the washing process. More specifically, it is desirable to position an article, such as a dish, so that water and detergent can access all surfaces during cleaning while also preventing movement of the dish that could lead to breaking, chipping, or other damage.

Articles that may be placed in a dishwasher can vary substantially in size and type. Dishes, pots, pans, glasses and the like can differ in both shape and size. The same wash load may include a variety of these differently shaped and sized articles.

The vertical tines can be provided with features in an effort to accommodate such variations in the articles. For example, tines that can be folded between various positions can provide for adjustment to different shapes and sizes. Tines can also be shaped in configurations that help accommodate variations as well.

Typically, the position of the tines within a rack assembly of a dishwasher is fixed. More particularly, the rack assembly is usually constructed of elongated metal rods that are joined together by e.g., welding. The tines are also permanently affixed to the elongated rods of the rack assembly.

Such permanent positioning of the tines can be undesirable for several reasons. For example, where individual tines are each configured with an offset to one side the dishwasher, the consumer may wish to change the direction of the offset. Depending on the location of the dishwasher in a kitchen relative to e.g., the sink, the consumer may wish to rotate the direction of the offset of the tines for more convenience in loading and unloading articles. Also, the overall position of the tines within the rack assembly relative to e.g., the sides the rack assembly may not provide a good fit for certain articles from being placed into the rack. In addition, where a manufacturer wishes to provide different rack assemblies having different configurations of tines, each such configuration can require a separately manufactured rack assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

The present invention provides an assembly of tines for a dishwashing appliance that can be repositioned within and/or removed from a rack assembly. For example, a user can reverse the direction of the tine assembly based upon the location of a dishwasher in the kitchen. The tines can be moved relative to the side or wall of the rack assembly to accommodate different article sizes. The tines can also be completely removed from the rack assembly if needed to accommodate a large article. Additional, a degree of modularity is provided in that the same rack assembly may be provided with different tine assembly configurations so as to e.g., simplify the manufacturing process.

For example, in on exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance. The tine block assembly defines longitudinal and lateral directions. The assembly includes a pair of elongated base members extending parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction. A plurality of tines extend vertically from the elongated base members and are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction and arranged in corresponding pairs along the lateral direction. A pair of transverse members extends along the lateral direction and connecting the base members. The transverse members define a pair of hooks that face along the longitudinal direction and are configured for removable attachment to a laterally extending member of a dishwasher rack assembly.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a dishwasher rack assembly that includes a bottom wall formed of a first set of elongated spaced apart rods crossed by a second set of spaced apart rods to define an open lattice structure. A tine block assembly is removably attached to the bottom wall. The tine block assembly includes a pair of elongated base members extending parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction; a plurality of tines extending vertically from said elongated base members, the tines spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction and arranged in corresponding pairs along the lateral direction; and a pair of transverse members extending along the lateral direction and connecting the base members, the transverse members defining a pair of hooks that face along the longitudinal direction and are configured for removable attachment to at least one of the rods of the bottom wall.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view of an exemplary dishwashing appliance of the present invention.

FIG. 2 provides a side, cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a front, elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a rack assembly that includes an exemplary embodiment of a tine assembly of the present invention.

A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tine assembly of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 4. The same exemplary tine assembly is also present in the exemplary rack assembly shown in FIG. 3.

A side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 is illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a top down view of the exemplary rack assembly of FIG. 3 incorporating the exemplary embodiment of a tine assembly as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 is another top down view of another exemplary embodiment of a tine assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken long line 8-8 of FIG. 7 while FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a top down view of another exemplary embodiment of a tine assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary clip feature as may be used within the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 illustrates a portion of another exemplary of a tine block assembly of the present invention particularly showing the use of a clip feature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary domestic dishwasher 100 that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For the particular embodiment of FIG. 1, the dishwasher 100 includes a cabinet 102 having a tub 104 therein that defines a wash chamber 106. The tub 104 includes a front opening (not shown) and a door 120 hinged at its bottom 122 for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher. Latch 123 is used to lock and unlock door 120 for access to chamber 106.

Upper and lower guide rails 124, 126 are mounted on tub side walls 128 and accommodate roller-equipped rack assemblies 130 and 132. Each of the rack assemblies 130, 132 is fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members 134 (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up assemblies 130 and 132 are shown in FIG. 2). Each rack 130, 132 is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. This is facilitated by rollers 135 and 139, for example, mounted onto racks 130 and 132, respectively. A silverware basket (not shown) may be removably attached to rack assembly 132 for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small to be accommodated by the racks 130, 132.

The dishwasher 100 further includes a lower spray-arm assembly 144 that is rotatably mounted within a lower region 146 of the wash chamber 106 and above a tub sump portion 142 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to rack assembly 132. A mid-level spray-arm assembly 148 is located in an upper region of the wash chamber 106 and may be located in close proximity to upper rack 130. Additionally, an upper spray assembly 150 may be located above the upper rack 130.

The lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 and the upper spray assembly 150 are fed by a fluid circulation assembly 152 for circulating water and dishwasher fluid in the tub 104. The fluid circulation assembly 152 may include a pump 154 located in a machinery compartment 140 located below the bottom sump portion 142 of the tub 104, as generally recognized in the art. Each spray-arm assembly 144, 148 includes an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing washing liquid onto dishes or other articles located in rack assemblies 130 and 132. The arrangement of the discharge ports in spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 provides a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the lower spray-arm assembly 144 provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray.

The dishwasher 100 is further equipped with a controller 137 to regulate operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.

The controller 137 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 137 may be located within a control panel area 121 of door 120 as shown. In such an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom 122 of door 120. Typically, the controller 137 includes a user interface panel 136 through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher 100. In one embodiment, the user interface 136 may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In one embodiment, the user interface 136 may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 136 may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface 136 may be in communication with the controller 137 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or other configuration of dishwasher, and that the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is for illustrative purposes only. For example, instead of the racks 130, 132 depicted in FIG. 1, the dishwasher 100 may be of a known configuration that utilizes drawers that pull out from the cabinet and are accessible from the top for loading and unloading of articles. Other configurations may be used as well.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, an exemplary embodiment of a removable tine block assembly 200 in exemplary rack assembly 226 is illustrated. Tine block assembly 200 includes a pair of elongated base members 202 and 204 that extend parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction L and are spaced apart from each other along the transverse or lateral direction T. A plurality of tines 206 extend vertically from base members 202 and are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction L. Tines 206 are arranged in corresponding pairs such as pairs 208, 210. The space between tines 206 along the longitudinal direction allows for the placement of e.g., dishes, glasses, and other articles for washing with appliance 100. Tines 206 also include an offset 216 (sometime referred to as a “dog leg”) that allows for the tilting of articles such as plates so as reduce the amount of vertical space required.

Tine block 200 includes a pair of transverse members 212 and 214 that extend along the lateral direction T and are attached at respective ends between base members 202 and 204. By way of example, transverse member 214 may be welded to base member 202 at connection point 218. The transverse members 212 and 214 each define a hook 220 and 222, respectively, positioned mid-way along the lateral direction. As shown e.g., in the side views of FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, hooks 220 and 222 have a j-shaped profile as viewed along the lateral direction T.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, rack assembly 226 includes a bottom wall 274 surrounded by side walls 234. Walls 243 and 274 are formed from a first set of elongated rods 236 crossed by a second set of elongated rods 238 so as to define an open lattice structure. Typically, the rods 236 and 236 are welded together at their intersections and are coated with a protective material. Wheel assemblies 228, 230 are provided on opposing sides of rack assembly 200 to facilitate sliding in and out of the wash chamber 106 of appliance 100. As will be understood using the teaching disclosed herein, the configuration of rack assembly 200 is provided by way of example only and other constructions may be used as well.

Continuing with FIGS. 3 and 6, hooks 220 and 222 are removably attached to elongated rods 236 of rack assembly 226. More particularly, hooks 220 and 222 face along the longitudinal direction L and partially wrap around rods 236. For this particular embodiment, hooks 220 and 222 face away or outwardly from each other along the longitudinal direction L. When in the position shown, hooks 220 and 222 prevent removal of tine block assembly 200 from rack assembly 226.

However, assembly 200 may also be readily removed from and/or repositioned within rack assembly 226 as well. By moving base members 202 and 204 outwardly from each other as indicated by arrows E in FIG. 6, hooks 212 and 214 are released from rods 236. As such, tine block assembly 200 can be removed from rack assembly 226 to allow for placement of articles onto rack assembly 226 that might otherwise be blocked by tines 206. In addition, tine block assembly 200 can be repositioned on rack assembly 226 differently form that shown. For example, the user may wish to rotate assembly 226 by 180 degrees or move it more towards the center of rack assembly 226. In addition, for a manufacture seeking to provide tine block assemblies in various configurations (e.g., not just the shape and configuration shown for block 200 in FIGS. 4 and 5), modularity is provided in that rack assembly 226 (or other rack assemblies) may be used with a variety of different configurations of tine block assembly 200. Additionally, multiple tine block assemblies having different configurations can be sold with appliance 100 so that the user can select a configuration based on e.g., the particular articles placed in chamber 106 for a given wash cycle. Other advantages may also be realized with the removable tine block assembly of the present invention as well.

As stated, the present invention is not limited to the particular exemplary configuration of tine block assembly 200 shown in FIGS. 3-6. For example, FIG. 7 provides another exemplary embodiment of tine block assembly in which the same or similar reference numerals identify the same or similar features as shown in FIGS. 3-6. For the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, transverse member 214 of tine block assembly 200 includes a tab 232 positioned at a mid-point along the lateral direction T. Tab 232 extends outwardly along the longitudinal direction L from transverse member 214. As such, tab 232 is configured for aiding the removal of tine block 200 from rack assembly 226. By way of example, a user can lift up vertically on tab 232 to help remove hook 220 from rod 236.

FIGS. 8 and 9 provide cross-sectional views taken along lines 8-8 and 9-9 of FIG. 7, respectively. As stated previously, hooks 220 and 222 releasably secure tine block assembly 200 to rack assembly 226 by partially wrapping or hooking rods 236 of rack assembly 226.

FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a tine block assembly of the present invention where in which the same or similar reference numerals identify the same or similar features as shown in FIGS. 3-6. For this exemplary embodiment, tine block assembly 200 includes transverse members 242 and 244 having hooks 246 and 248, respectively. Unlike the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3-6, hooks 246 and 248 are oriented along the longitudinal direction but the same way along the longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. 10. Hooks 246 and 248 are releasably attached or wrapped around rods 236.

In order to further secure tine block assembly 200 to rack assembly 226, a clip 252 is attached to both. Referring now to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, clip 252 includes a pair of hooks 258 and 260 that positioned on a first end 254 of clip 252. Hooks 258 and 260 are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction L to define a first slot 262 therebetween. Hooks 258 and 260 are configured for receipt of an elongated member or rod 238 of rack assembly 226 while first slot 262 is configured for receipt of elongated member or rod 236.

Clip 252 includes a second end 256 defining a second slot 270 positioned between legs 266 and 268 extending along the transverse direction T from an arcuate portion 264. Second slot 270 is configured for the receipt of elongated member or rod 236 while arcuate portion 264 is configured for attachment to an elongated base member 202 (or 204). Accordingly, in order to remove tine block assembly 200 for removal from, or repositioning in, rack assembly 226, the user would rotate clip 252 along the direction of arrow R (FIG. 12). Then, the user would shift tine block assembly in the direction or arrow S (FIG. 10) to release hooks 246 and 248. Tine block assembly 200 can then be removed or repositioned as previously described.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

1. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance, the tine block assembly defining longitudinal and lateral directions, comprising: a pair of elongated base members extending parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction; a plurality of tines extending vertically from said elongated base members, said tines spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction and arranged in corresponding pairs along the lateral direction; and a pair of transverse members extending along the lateral direction and connecting said base members, said transverse members defining a pair of hooks that face along the longitudinal direction and are configured for removable attachment to a laterally extending member of a dishwasher rack assembly.
 2. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance as in claim 1, wherein said pair of hooks face away from each other along the longitudinal direction.
 3. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance as in claim 1, wherein one of said pair transverse members further comprises a tab positioned at a mid-point along the lateral direction and extending along the longitudinal direction, said tab configured for aiding the removal of the tine block from a dishwasher rack assembly.
 4. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance as in claim 1, wherein said pair of hooks are each J-shaped.
 5. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of tines each include an offset along the vertical direction.
 6. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance as in claim 1, wherein said pair of hooks are positioned near opposing ends of the tine block assembly.
 7. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance as in claim 1, further comprising: a clip attached for attaching the tine block assembly to a rack assembly of a dishwasher appliance, said clip comprising a pair of hooks positioned on a first end of said clip and spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction to define a first slot, said hooks configured for receipt of an elongated member of a dishwasher rack assembly; an arcuate portion positioned on a second end of said clip and attached to one of said elongated base members; and, a pair of legs extending from said arcuate portion along the lateral direction and spaced apart from each other to define a second slot.
 8. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance as in claim 7, wherein said pair of hooks of said clip face towards each other along the longitudinal direction.
 9. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance as in claim 1, wherein said pair of hooks of said clip are each shaped to wrap partially around elongated members of a dishwasher rack assembly.
 10. A dishwasher rack assembly, comprising: a bottom wall formed of a first set of elongated spaced apart rods crossed by a second set of spaced apart rods to define an open lattice structure; a tine block assembly removably attached to said bottom wall, said tine block assembly comprising pair of elongated base members extending parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction; a plurality of tines extending vertically from said elongated base members, said tines spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction and arranged in corresponding pairs along the lateral direction; and a pair of transverse members extending along the lateral direction and connecting said base members, said transverse members defining a pair of hooks that face along the longitudinal direction and are configured for removable attachment to at least one of the rods of said bottom wall.
 11. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 10, wherein said pair of hooks face away from each other along the longitudinal direction.
 12. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 10, wherein one of said pair transverse members further comprises a tab positioned at a mid-point along the lateral direction and extending along the longitudinal direction, said tab configured for aiding the removal of the tine block from a dishwasher rack assembly.
 13. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 12, wherein said pair of hooks are each J-shaped.
 14. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 10, wherein said plurality of tines each include an offset along the vertical direction.
 15. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 10, wherein said pair of hooks are positioned near opposing ends of the tine block assembly.
 16. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 10, further comprising: a clip attached for attaching the tine block assembly to said bottom wall; said clip comprising a pair of hooks positioned on a first end of said clip and spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction to define a first slot, said hooks configured for receipt of one of the rods of said bottom wall; an arcuate portion positioned on a second end of said clip and attached to one of said elongated base members; and, a pair of legs extending from said arcuate portion along the lateral direction and spaced apart from each other to define a second slot.
 17. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 16, wherein said pair of hooks of said clip face towards each other along the longitudinal direction.
 18. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 10, wherein said pair of hooks of said clip are each shaped to wrap partially around one of the rod members of said bottom wall.
 19. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 10, wherein said pair of transverse members comprise elongated rods also forming said pair of hooks. 